Our Jesuit Tradition

Saint Joseph's University was founded by the Jesuits — visionary Catholic priests and educators who prioritized social justice, the pursuit of excellence, service to others, and the development of the whole person, or, cura personalis. One of only 28 universities and colleges nationwide exemplifying this 500-year- old Jesuit tradition, SJU offers each of its students an educational experience that will hone their skills, expand their knowledge, grow their faith and strengthen their character.

Contact Info

Get Started

Elementary Education Pre-K – 4th BLS

Educators shape future generations each day. Being a teacher takes more than a desire to help others learn and grow into successful adults, but also an understanding of human psychology, problem solving and having leadership skills all contribute to making a positive impact on a student.

Saint Joseph’s offers two education majors with flexible scheduling:

Early childhood education goes beyond learning the basics of reading and arithmetic. Saint Joseph’s program delves into the many psychological, emotional and mental developments that contribute to the learning process, equipping graduates with the insights needed to make the greatest impact in the classroom. Foundation courses in elementary education cover child development, social/emotional motor development, and cognition and learning.

Elementary education majors explore subjects including: reading literature, enhancing curriculum using technology, and re-examining math, science, social studies and the arts. Students at SJU are required to participate in field experiences – formal school events that provide interaction with students under the supervision of current teachers and administrators. Once field experiences have been completed, student teaching allows majors to take all they’ve learned in the classroom and apply it to classrooms in the region.

In addition to the foundations of elementary education, students in this track will learn the importance of assessment and evaluation in education and social and motor development, among other developmental areas. Examinations of high incidence disabilities, behavioral disorders and teaching in an inclusive environment are paired with real-world student teaching experience to put theory into practice. Saint Joseph’s addresses the moral challenges that arise, especially when educating students with disabilities, and helps students prepare to address real-world problems as leaders and educators.

There are important steps students must take before being fully admitted into the Teacher Certification Program. The PA Department of Education has issued specific guidelines to which students must adhere. PLS Candidates must take and pass the basic skills assessment prior to formal entry into the teacher certification program and prior to taking certain professional core courses.

Over 86% of Saint Joseph’s University Professional and Liberal Studies and Haub Degree Completion Graduates were employed full-time at the date of graduation. Whereas, 3% of the Professional and Liberal Studies class of 2017 have chosen to further their education by attending graduate school on a full-time basis while 6% have decided to delay their job search.

The demand for quality education professionals is on the rise. Building upon our existing expertise in this sector, Saint Joseph's University has created a School of Health Studies and Education, which will officially open in the Fall of 2019. Over 40 existing undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs, including this one, will be housed in this school.